Using Credit Cards When You Travel

1.Photocopy each credit card, front and back before you travel. Leave a copy with a trusted family member or friend who can act on your behalf if you run into problems.

2.Let your credit card company know that you are planning to travel so that they don't put a hold on your card because of unusual activity. (Take 2 credit cards from two completely different accounts with you in case this happens.)

3.Make sure that your credit cards are current.

4.Ask for receipts. When you return from your trip, match your receipts to your credit card bill.

5.Make sure the limit is high enough on your credit card to cover your needs during your vacation.

6.Consider purchasing a special money pocket to carry your credit cards in, or carry them in a front pocket that zips for extra security.

How Not To Get Bumped

1.Fly on the holiday itself, instead of around it, to avoid over booked flights.

2.Don't fly on Mondays or between 4 pm-7 pm during the week.

3.Arrive at the gate on time and board as soon as you are able.

4.Don't fly if there is a strike going on.

5.Fly on airlines that are less likely to bump (like Jet Blue Airways).

6.Remind the flight attendants that the FAA says they need to offer perks to people for being bumped and not just bump people against their wishes.

7.Join the frequent flyer program to show loyalty to the company.

8.Be aware that when booking your flight, if you get a message saying that seats will be assigned at the airport, the plane is probably already full.

Clear Card Coming Soon To:

Los Angeles International Airport

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport

Airports Using the Clear Card

1.Reno Tahoe International Airport
2.San Francisco International Airport
3.Oakland International Airport
4.Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport
5.Salt Lake City International Airport
6.Denver International Airport
7.Indianapolis International Airport
8.Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport
9.Little Rock Airport
10.Albany Airport
11.Westchester County Airport
12.LaGuardia International Airport
13.John F. Kennedy International Airport
14.Neward Liberty International Airport
15.Dulles International Airport
16.Reagan National Airport
17.Jacksonville International Airport
18.Orlando International Airport

Travel Cheap By Getting Better Gas Mileage

Although the price of gas is so high, consider driving to your vacation destination. Find out how you can improve your vehicle's gas mileage by 200% or more. Watch this video from Fox News to see how it works. For more information Click here

Learn How To Get Bumped

Flights are filled more this year than they have been for the last 10 years. They are 85% full, which is good for those looking to be bumped in the hopes of getting free or at least cheap tickets for future flights. Here are some tips to help you get bumped.

1.Choose flights that tend to be full, such as between 4 pm-7 pm Monday through Friday. Monday is the busiest travel day of the week and tends to be overbooked. Long, nonstop flights across country also tend to be quite full.

2.Don't check-in luggage. It's more convenient for the airline if they don't have to remove your luggage from the plane.

3.Travel around the holidays, right before and right after the holiday itself.

4.Tell the agent you are willing to be bumped if necessary when you arrive.

5.Fly during bad weather. You are likely to get bumped, but getting another flight may be difficult.

6.Fly during airline strikes, when more flights are cancelled.

How To Get A Clear Card

In order to get a Clear Card, you must go to an airport that currently accepts the card. There, the computer scans your finger prints, eyes and takes a picture. This information is sent to the Department of Homeland Security. They mail an ID card within about two weeks.

Avoid Waiting In Line To Pass Airport Security With Clear Card

Clear Cards are now available for purchase at airports. They allow you to move ahead to the front of the line to pass through security at airports, instead of waiting in the long lines. The maximum wait time with this card is 5 minutes before passing through security, but the security check is the same. The cost is $128 and currently is valid at 18 airports. More than 170,000 have purchased the Clear Card already.

Special Offers

Book 3+ nights and get a free $50 gas card! Book 2+ nights and get a free $25 gas card! - Ends 6/30/08 or while supplies last.

U.S. fare sale! Fly one-way from $56+ - Expires 7/1/08

Your Rights When Voluntarily Bumped

None. You have no rights if you choose to give up your seats, but here are some tips to get
the most out of being bumped while still protecting yourself.

1.Get a confirmed seat on another flight before you agree to be bumped. Also, confirm your seat when you book your ticket so that you are less likely to be bumped against your will.

2.Arrive at the gate early. This gives you an opportunity to volunteer to be bumped, while helping prevent an involuntary bump.

3.Insist on a check instead of a voucher for travel, because these vouchers typically come with many restrictions and blackout dates making them difficult to use.

4.When you volunteer, ask that they match the best offer they give someone else. If you volunteer early, and other people don't volunteer until much later on, they will probably receive more than you.

5.Keep in mind car and/or hotel reservations that you could potentially lose if you are not able to arrive that day, or any late fees they may charge you.

6.If compensation is not immediate, get it in writing.